Koto Nation: Classical Instruments of Japan

The library marks the fifth entry into the Impact Soundworks catalog, following the “Shreddage” and “Sitar Nation” libraries.

“Koto Nation” is a collection of koto, bass koto and shamisen recordings performed by instrumentalist Masayo Ishigure (Memoirs of a Geisha). Featuring a range of both traditional and extended articulations and playing techniques, the library allows composers to use these classical Eastern instruments.

The library was designed, produced, and edited by Aversa, a composer and producer who co-developed the “Sitar Nation” collection and “Shreddage”, among others. Composers Will Roget, II (Star Wars: The Old Republic), Jimmy Hinson (Mass Effect 2) and Steve Davit assisted with its testing, editing, and design.

“Koto Nation” contains about 4,000 samples recorded at 24/44.1 with two mic positions, allowing the user to select either a close or room tone. The core patches, programmed for the Kontakt 2+ format. Editing and deep sampling (4x round robins and 4x velocities) is designed to give the library a living, breathing feel that is highly responsive to dynamic playing.

In capturing the instruments, all crucial articulations were recorded, from standard sustained picks to tremolo, pizzicato, octaves, multiple pitch bends, vibrato and glissandos, as well as contemporary and extended articulations such as scrapes, atonal plucks, percussive hits, slides and processed sounds utilizing Kontakt’s effects and offline processing.

Pricing & Availability

“Koto Nation” is available for immediate download via the Impact Soundworks website (www.impactsoundworks.com) for $99, worldwide.